Mr Anan Wandarae, 40, turned himself in at Ao Nang Police Station shortly after the stabbing incident, and police are now questioning him over the death of 53-year-old school principal Mr Sopon Piyathammakul.

Lt Songpon Boonchai of the Ao Nang Police revealed that he was notified at 6:40pm yesterday that the principal of the Baan Khao Teim School in the Khao Thong sub-district of Muang, Krabi had been stabbed to death by a teacher in the school yard.

Upon arrival at the school, police discovered a pool of blood in the courtyard and were told that the unconscious victim, Mr Sopon, had already been taken to Krabi Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. He had been stabbed once in the left-side of his chest.

Witnesses named the suspect as one of the school’s teachers, Mr Anan Wandarae, 40, and told police that he had fled the scene soon after the incident.

The school’s janitor, Mr Somkid Boonkerd, 48, who witnessed the incident told police that prior to the stabbing the school’s management had held a meeting with teachers. After the meeting was over, Mr Anan and Mr Sopon were seen walking together towards the school courtyard arguing over an issue relating to a salary increase.

Mr Anan appeared to be upset that he did not get a rise, Mr Sopon tried to tell him that he didn’t get one because he did not work according to his duty.

Lt Songpon explained: “Mr Somkid said that Mr Anan then went back to the class and came back with a foot-long knife. He approached Mr Sopon and stabbed him. Mr Somkid said he tried to stop the incident but it was too late.

“Principal Sopon served as a director of the school for over two years and during his time he managed the school with his heart and prepared the school to be the best in the sub-district. He is loved in this community,” he said.